BB 2011-05-23 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures-Part16

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

Part 16

General characteristics of risk assessment

Risk assessments (food safety/animal health/plant health) are based on available scientific/technical data and other relevant information. In almost all cases there is not complete and conclusive scientific evidence on all relevant issues.

Risk assessments combine:- identification, characterisation and evaluation of hazards- evaluation of potential for exposure of vulnerable - populations of humans/animals/plants

Risk assessments may be quantitative or qualitative and there is always a need for some qualitative component to an assessment, requiring expert judgment to be exercised.

Risk assessments of any specific situation may be simple or complex, according to:- thoroughness of data-gathering (e.g. literature search, laboratory research)- availability of relevant scientific/technical data- degree of quantification attempted- detail of analysis (e.g. number of potential exposure pathways examined)- extent of consultation with stakeholders for inputs (e.g. circulation of draft assessments for comment)- range of options considered for control of identified risks- etc.

Thorough risk assessment may involve:- experts from a number of scientific disciplines- long time-frames- significant costs

Extended risk assessment procedures may antagonise trading partner countries. Risk assessment proceedings may become a focus for domestic political controversy. Adopting international standards, where available, avoids such issues.

Risk assessment in developing countries

Developing countries can minimise the burden of risk assessment to justify their measures by:- adopting international standards, where available- giving priority to risk assessments for measures that are most likely to be challenged by trading partners- using OIE/ICPM/Codex methodology- making qualitative rather than quantitative assessments- giving most attention to the greatest risks- hiring expert assistanceThe business perspective on risk assessment

The business sector may have important information to contribute to the risk assessment process. It is important for the business sector to monitor the risk assessment/risk management process so that it has confidence in the outcome. Some businesses will view an import risk analysis procedure conducted by the competent authority as an opportunity to argue for unjustifiable restriction of import competition. ultimately this is counter-productive.